Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� January, 2002

Japan - Singapore Summit Meeting Sunday, January 13, 2002 Click photographs to enlarge This afternoon Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who earlier laid a wreath of flowers at Kalibata Cemetery in the Republic of Indonesia, visited the Republic of Singapore, the final country on his tour of Southeast Asian nations, and held a Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. At the meeting Prime Minister Koizumi explained Japan's new diplomatic vision for East Asia, stating that Japan intended to develop relations with the core nations of this region, the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), by "acting together and advancing together" as sincere and open partners, and expressing Japan's ultimate goal of forming a community in the region. In addition, he indicated specific cooperation initiatives for the future, including the Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the strengthening of measures toward transnational issues. Prime Minister Koizumi also welcomed the signing of the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement and expressed his expectations that it would lead to further development of bilateral economic relations. In response, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong stated that the government of Singapore welcomes and supports these initiatives and also looks forward to Japan's role in counter-terrorism. In addition, Prime Minister Goh highly praised the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement, stating that it also has great strategic significance for East Asia.